Device for securing cargo load locks and a method of securing load locks

ABSTRACT

A securement device for storing a load lock on a wall of a trailer. The device comprises a track assembly having a mounting plate attached to the wall and having an upper member and a lower member attached to the mounting plate. The upper member and lower member are configured spaced from the mounting plate to form a channel between the upper and lower members and the mounting plate. A bracket member having a connector operatively connects to the channel. The bracket member further has a fastener rotatably connected to the connector and connected to an end of the load lock wherein the fastener is configured to rotatably move the load lock toward the wall of the trailer such that the connector secures the load lock near the wall of the trailer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a securement device, and inparticular, relates to a device for securing load locks used in thetrucking industry.

In the trucking industry, a trailer portion or a van portion of a truckis loaded so that the contents or cargo optimally occupy the entirevolume of the trailer. Under such conditions, the load cannot shift andis completely stable during transit. Many times, however, the trailercarries only a partial load, either because the trailer has beenpartially loaded to begin with or because some of the cargo has beenremoved from the trailer before the truck reaches its final unloadingdestination.

When only part of the total volume of the trailer is filled, the cargoload is subject to shifting into the unloaded portion of the trailer dueto vibration, acceleration, braking and turning forces, etc. The partialload tends to shift and slide around inside the trailer during transit,which may damage the cargo and the trailer itself. On some occasions,the shift of cargo can be so great as to create an unstable load andcause the truck and/or trailer to tip.

As a result, truckers generally use load locks to secure partial loadsof cargo within the trailer, thereby effectively confining the cargo toa limited region of the trailer compartment. In general, a load lock isa type of cargo restraint device that has a telescoping body that isplaced against the partial load and extended between opposite walls ofthe trailer to prevent the partial load from shifting. Typically, loadlocks are elongated, extendible tubes which may be installedtransversely between the walls of the trailer compartment and wedgedtherebetween, to prevent cargo or freight from shifting past theinstalled load locks.

Normally, a trucker will carry multiple load locks when on a trip inorder to secure such cargo loads. It is essential that the load locks bereadily accessible to the truck driver in case the need arises totransport a partial load. Since the load locks must be stored for readyaccess, a significant storage problem arises when load locks are notbeing used.

When the load locks are not in use, the driver or operator often storesthe load locks on the exterior of the back of the cab of the tractor,particularly in the event that the truck is “deadheading” with noattached trailer. Other operators, who operate tractors having extendersprojecting beyond the cabs of their tractors to improve the aerodynamiccharacteristics of their trucks, simply jack the unused load lock barsoutwardly between the extenders. These exposed load locks, however, aresubject to theft. Additionally, the driver, oftentimes, forgets to storethe load lock on the cab and leaves the load locks on a dock. Since theload locks are expensive, the stolen or lost load locks result inincreased costs for the trucking operator. Additionally, the stolen orlost load lock prevents the driver from properly restricting the nextpartial cargo load.

In the case of an empty trailer, the load locks may simply be placed onthe bed of the trailer. This storage method has proven to be inadequate,however, because the load locks tend to slide around on the trailerfloor, which may result in damage to both the load locks and theinterior of the trailer. Further, the loads that are discarded on thebed of the trailer interfere with cargo loading operations and presentan unsafe tripping hazard. Drivers and truck operators need a device toconveniently and economically store the unused load lock within thetrailer while minimizing interference with cargo loading operationswithin the trailer and minimizing tripping hazards within the trailer.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a securement device, and inparticular, relates to a device for securing load locks in a storageposition within a trailer. The device comprises a track assembly havinga mounting plate attached to the wall. The track assembly furtherincludes an upper member and a lower member attached to the mountingplate. The upper member and lower member are configured spaced from themounting plate to form a channel between the upper and lower members andthe mounting plate.

The device further comprises a bracket member having a connectoroperatively connects to the channel. The bracket member includes afastener that is rotatably connected to the connector and connected toan end of the load lock. The fastener is configured to rotatably movethe load lock toward the wall of the trailer such that the connectorsecures the load lock in the storage position near the wall of thetrailer.

The present disclosure also relates to a method storing the load lockwithin the trailer. The method comprises attaching a track assembly tothe wall of the trailer and exposing a channel of the track assembly.The method also includes providing a bracket member and slidablyconnecting a connector of the bracket member within the channel. Anoffset member is positioned within the channel wherein the fastener issuspended from the offset member in a spaced relationship from thechannel. The load lock is connected to the fastener and rotated aboutthe fastener to support the load lock from the connector and near thewall of the trailer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a truck having a tractor and atrailer;

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial perspective view of the end of the trailerof FIG. 1 illustrating a securement device constructed in accordancewith and embodying the present disclosure wherein the securement devicecomprises a bracket member and a track assembly;

FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of the securement device attached tosidewalls of the trailer and securing a load lock positioned against apartial cargo load;

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial perspective view of the bracket member ofFIG. 2 and illustrates an end of the load lock attached to the bracketmember;

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the bracket member of FIG. 4 attachedto the end of the load lock;

FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of the bracket member of FIG. 4 attachedto the end of the load lock;

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the track assembly of FIG. 2 attachedto one of the sidewalls of the trailer;

FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of the bracket member attached to thetrack assembly to suspend the load lock in a restrained position betweensidewalls of a trailer;

FIG. 9 illustrates the bracket member attached to the track assembly tosupport the load lock in a storage position;

FIG. 10 illustrates a plan view of the securement device attached to thetop and to the bed of the trailer and securing a partial cargo load;

FIG. 11 illustrates a partial perspective view of another embodiment ofthe bracket member that constructed in accordance with and embodying thepresent disclosure; and

FIG. 12 illustrates a partial perspective view of another embodiment ofthe track assembly that operatively connects with the bracket member ofFIG. 11.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several figures of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way ofexample and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enablesone skilled in the art to make and use the invention, describes severalembodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of theinvention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode ofcarrying out the invention.

The present disclosure relates to a securement device. The device can beused for securing any tool. However, for purposes of illustration only,the device will be described for securing a load lock used in securingcargo within a trailer. Components of the device can have a variety ofcross sectional shapes such as, but not limited to, elliptical, oval,circular, triangular, square, rectangular or other appropriate geometricconfiguration. Components of the device can be made of a variety ofmaterials, such as, but not limited to, steel, cast iron, aluminum orplastic. The device can be of any size to accommodate users and trailersof any size and to accommodate load locks of varying diametercross-sectional shapes and sizes.

Referring now to the drawings, an over-the-road truck 10 (FIG. 1), whichincludes a tractor 12 and a trailer 14 having a cargo compartment 16, isprovided with a securement device 18 of the present disclosure forsecuring a load lock 20. The securement device 18 comprises a bracketmember 22 and a track assembly 24 (FIG. 2) which are configured tosecure the load lock 20 between a restrained position 26 (FIGS. 1, 2, 3and 8) and a storage position 28 (FIG. 9).

Turning to FIG. 1, the tractor 12 has a frame 30 and a cab 32 whichrests on the frame 30, as well as wheels 34 which support the frame 30above the road. In addition, the tractor 12 has a fifth wheel assembly(not shown) attached to its frame 30 in the region of the rear wheels34. The fifth wheel assembly couples the trailer 14 to the tractor 12.The trailer 14 has a bed 36 which is reinforced with cross members. Aforward end 38 of the bed 36 rests on the fifth wheel assembly of thetractor 12, whereas the trailing end 40 is supported on wheels 34. Thetrailer 14 has sidewalls 42 and a roof 44 which serve to enclose thecargo compartment 16.

The load lock 20 is used to stabilize cargo (FIG. 3) in the cargocompartment 16 of the trailer 14 when the cargo compartment 16 is lessthan completely filled. The load lock 20 is designed to span the cargocompartment 16 and in effect reduce the size of the compartment 16 sothat cargo will remain stationary during the jolts and otheraccelerations experienced as the trailer 14 moves over a roadway. Loadlocks 20 are commonly tubular shaped, although it is understood thatload locks 20 having a square, triangular, or other cross sectionalshapes may also be used. Typically, the load lock 20 is cut from steelplate and can be coated to protect the steel from corrosion.

Turning to FIGS. 2 and 3, each load lock 20 has large and small membersor tubes with the large tube 48 receiving the small tube 50, so that thetubes 48, 50 are mounted telescopically with respect to each other. Aratchet mechanism 52 such as a rack and pinion assembly or jack assemblyoperatively connects together the large tube 48 and the small tube 50.Where the small tube 50 enters the large tube 48, the ratchet mechanism52 reciprocally moves the small tube 50 within the large tube 48. Theratchet mechanism 52 includes a handle 54 which may be rotated to aposition in which it lies parallel to the tubes 48, 50. The handle 54activates the ratchet mechanism 52 for moving the small tube 50 withinthe large tube 48. Any mechanism for telescoping one member into anothermember is intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

When the handle 54 is raised, that is when it is generally perpendicularto the tubes 48, 50, the ratchet mechanism 52 disengages the small tube50 from the large tube 48 which enables the small tube 50 to be movedout from the large tube 48 quite rapidly. To prevent the small tube 50from fully retracting from the large tube 48, a stop may be employed oneither the large tube 48 or the small tube 50. However, as the handle 54is forced downwardly toward the tubes 48, 50, the ratchet mechanism 52engages the small tube 50. Continued movement of the ratchet mechanism52 moves the small tube 50 a short distance into the large tube 48.

The large tube 48 has a first end 56, a second end 58 and a body 60disposed therebetween. The ends 56, 58 are opened and the body 60 formsan open channel. The small tube 50 also has a first end 62, a second end64 and a body 66 disposed therebetween. The ends 62, 64 of the smalltube 50 are also open with an open channel disposed within the body 60.The second end 64 of the small tube 50 is sized and shaped to fit withinthe second end 58 of the large tube 48. The second end 64 and body 66 ofthe small tube 50 are configured to reciprocally move within the body 60of the large tube 48 and toward the first end 56 of the large tube 48.

Referring to FIG. 3, the bracket member 22 of the present disclosureremovably connects to the first end 56 of the large tube 48. Anotherbracket member 22 of the disclosure removably connects to the first end62 of the small tube 50. Each bracket member 22 operatively connectswith the track assembly 24 as will be discussed.

Turning to FIGS. 4-6, the bracket member 22 comprises a connector 68, aplate 70, an offset member 72, an arm 74 and a fastener 76. Theconnector 68 has a front face 78, a back face 80, and a sidewall 82connecting the front face 78 and the back face 80. The front face 78 andthe back face 80 are circular shaped having a diameter of about ¼ of aninch to about 5 inches. In an embodiment, the connector 68 has adiameter of about 2 inches. The sidewall 82 has a length from about 1/32of an inch to about ¼ of an inch. In another embodiment (not shown), thefront face 78 and the back face 80 of the connector 68 are rectangularshaped having a length of about 1 inch to about 5 inches and having aheight from about 1 inch to about 5 inches.

The plate 70 has a front face 84, a back face 86 and a sidewall 88connecting the front face 84 and the back face 86. The plate 70 has arectangular shape having a length from about 1 inch to about 6 inchesand having a height from about 1 inch to about 6 inches. In anembodiment, the plate 70 has a length of about 3 inches and has a heightof about 1 inch.

The offset member 72 connects together the connector 68 and the plate70. In particular, the offset member 72 connects to the back face 80 ofthe connector 68 and connects to the front face 84 of the plate 70. Theoffset member 72 has a length from about 1/32 of an inch to about a ½inch. As shown, the offset member 72 positions the connector 68 in aspaced relationship from the plate 70. Any member for spacing theconnector 68 and the plate 70 is intended to be within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

The arm 74 has a first end 90 a second end 92 and a body 94 disposedtherebetween. The first end 90 connects to the back face 86 of the plate70 to extend the second end 92 of the arm 74 outwardly from the plate70. As shown, the arm 74 extends substantially perpendicular from theplate 70. The arm 74 has a length from about ¼ inch to about 3 inches.In an embodiment, the arm 74 has a length of about 1 inch. The secondend 92 has an aperture 96 defined therethrough. The aperture 96 is sizedand shaped to accept the fastener 76. As shown, a pair of arms 74extends outward from the back face 86 of the plate 70. The arms 74 arespaced apart at a distance to provide a clearance space for the firstend 56, 62 of either the large tube 48 or the small tube 50.

The fastener 76 removably connects to the aperture 96 of the second ends92 of the arms 74. The fastener 76 extends through the aperture 96 andthen through the first end 62 of the large tube 48 or the first end 62of the small tube 50. The fastener 76 exits the first end 56, 62 toextend through the aperture 96 of the second arm 74. In an embodiment,the fastener 76 comprises a bolt and hex nuts which fasten the bolt tothe second ends 92 of the arm 74. The fastener 76 rotatably connects theends 56, 62 of the tubes 48, 50 to the arms 74. The ends 56, 62 areconfigured to rotate around the fastener 76. In an embodiment, tubes 48,50 are rotatable from 0° to about 180° as measured from the plate 70.Accordingly, the connector 68 is operatively connected to the first ends56, 62 of the tubes 48, 50 through the offset member 72, the plate 70,arms 74 and fastener 76. In an embodiment (not shown), the connector 68directly attaches to the arms 74.

Turning to FIGS. 7 and 8, the track assembly 24 comprises a mountingplate 98 that operatively connects to the sidewall 42 of the trailer 14.The mounting plate 98 has a first side 100, second side 102, top side104, bottom side 106, a front end 108 and a rear end 110. The first side100 and the second side 102 have lengths as measured between the frontend 108 and the rear end 110 to match the length of the sidewall 42 ofthe trailer 14 or roof 44 of the trailer 14. In particular, the mountingplate 98 has a length from about 10 feet to about 60 feet. In anembodiment, the length is about 40 feet. The first side 100 and thesecond side 102 have a height as measured between the top side 104 andbottom side 106 from about 1 inch to about 6 inches. In an embodiment,the height of the mounting plate 98 is about 4 inches.

The first side 100 of the mounting plate 98 is substantially planar andis configured to removably connect to the interior side of the sidewall42 of the trailer 14. The mounting plate 98 is positioned along thesidewall 42 at a height as measured from the bed 36 of the trailer 14from about 2 feet to about 6 feet. In an embodiment, the mounting plate98 is positioned along the sidewall 42 at a height of about 5 feet fromthe bed 36. Regardless of the installation of this height, the mountingplate 98 positions the second side 102 toward the interior of the cargocompartment 16.

The track assembly 24 further comprises an upper member 112 and a lowermember 114 that are operatively connected to the second side 102 of themounting plate 98. In an embodiment, a spacer 116 connects the uppermember 112 and the lower member 114 to the second side 102 of themounting plate 98. In another embodiment (not shown), the upper member112 and the lower member 114 connect directly to the second side 102 ofthe mounting plate 98.

The upper member 112 and the lower member 114 form a spaced channel 118,wherein the channel 118 extends generally from the rear end 110 to thefront end 108. The channels 118 are configured open at the front end of108 and at the rear end 110. The channel 118 is sized and shaped toslidably accept the connector 68 of the bracket member 22. As will bediscussed, the connector 68 slides into the open rear end 110 andtravels along the channel 118. In an embodiment (not shown), the channel118 includes friction reducers such as ball bearings to assist movementof the connectors 68 within the channel 118. A stop 120 removablyconnects with the rear end 110 of the mounting plate 98. The stop 120 isconfigured to temporally close the open end of the channel 118. Any stopmember that closes the end of the channel 118 is intended to be withinthe scope of the present disclosure.

The upper member 112 and the lower member 114 form a slot 122 spacedfrom the second side 102 of the mounting plate 98. The slot 122 is fullyexposed to the cargo compartment 16 between the rear end 110 and thefront end 108. The slot 122 is configured to receive the offset members72 to allow the remaining portions of the bracket member 22 andconnected load lock 20 to travel with the connector 68 to continuouslyposition the load lock 20 along different locations within the cargocompartment 16 as will be discussed.

Turning to FIG. 9 and referring to FIGS. 2-8, during operation, thesecurement device 18 movably suspends the load lock 20 at the restrainedposition 26 (FIG. 3) and store the load lock 20 against the sidewall 42in the storage position 28. As shown, the mounting plates 98 arefastened on the opposing sidewalls 42 of the trailer 14. For the methodof operation, the elements of the small tube 50 side of FIG. 9 will bedenoted with a prime symbol ′ to correlate to the opposing elements onside of the large tube 48.

During operation, in order to secure the partial load 46 within thecargo compartment 16, the operator removes the stops 120 from the rearends 110, 110′ of the mounting plate 98, 98′. Removing the stop 120exposes the channels 118, 118′ at the rear ends 110. The operator thenraises the first end 56 of the large tube 48 and connected bracketmember 22 in a position to insert the connector 68 within the channel118 at the rear end 110. In particular, the operator positions the frontface 78 of the connector 68 to face the second side 102 of the mountingplate 98. In this position, the offset member 72 is positioned withinthe slot 122 of the mounting plate 98.

The operator rotates the first end 56 of the large tube 48 around thefastener 76 to position the first end 62 of the small tube 50 near therear end 110′ of the opposing mounting plate 98′. The operator activatesthe ratchet mechanism 52 to extend the small tube 50 across the cargocompartment 16 to align the connector 68′ of the small tube 50 with thechannel 118′ at the rear end 110′. The connector 68′ of the small tube50 is inserted into the rear end 110′. In particular, the front face 78′of the connector 68′ is positioned to face the second side 102′ of theopposing mounting plate 98′. In this position, the offset member 72′ ispositioned within the slot 122′ of the opposing mounting plate 98′ tosuspend the load lock 20 between the opposing mounting plates 98, 98′and the across the cargo compartment 16.

With the first end 62 of the small tube 50 secured to the channel 118′of the opposing mounting plate 98′ via its connector 68′, the operatorslidably moves the load lock 20 along the channels 118, 118′ and againstthe partial cargo load 46. The offset members 72, 72′ are positionedgenerally within the slots 122, 122′ such that the slots 122, 122′ allowthe bracket members 22, 22′ and the connected load lock 20 to travelwithin the cargo compartment 16 and toward the partial cargo load 44.

Regardless of the position of the partial cargo load 44, the slots 122,122′ of the mounting plates 98, 98′ allow the operator to convenientlyposition and continuously move the load lock 20 to any position alongthe sidewall 42 via the channels 118, 118′ and slots 122, 122′. With thesuspended load lock 20, the operator can easily slide the load lock 20to the desired position snuggly against the partial cargo load 44. Atthis position, the operator can further activate the ratchet mechanism52 to extend the small tube 50 from the large tube 48 till theconnectors 68, 68′ bear snuggly against the second sides 102, 102′ ofthe mounting plates 98, 98′, thus lodging the load lock 20 between thesidewalls 42 of the trailer 14.

At the desired location of the load lock 20 positioned against the cargoload 44, the suspended load lock 20 can be conveniently and safelyextended by the operator since the operator does not have tosimultaneously lift the load lock 20 and extend the load lock 20 to thefinal pressurized setting. Instead, the operator can simply adjust theratchet mechanism 52 to set the suspended tubes 48, 50 at the finalwidth without having to lift the load lock itself.

At the desired destination for unloading the partial cargo 44, theoperator slides the load lock 20 away from the cargo 44 via the channels118, 118′ and slots 122, 122′ and toward the rear ends 110, 110′ of themounting plates 98, 98′. At the rear ends 110, 110′ the operator removesthe stop 120 positioned at the rear end 110′ of the channel 118′ thatholds the small tube 50. The operator slides the connector 68′ of thesmall tube 50 out of the channel 118′ while leaving the opposingconnector 68 of the large tube 48 positioned within its respectivechannel 118.

With the free connector 68′ of the small tube 50, the operator activatesthe ratchet mechanism 52 to retract the small tube 50 within the largetube 48. Since the first end 56 of the large tube 48 remains connectedto the channel 118 of its mounting plate 98, the operator can simply letgo of the load lock 20. Upon release, the first end 56 of the large tube48 rotates around the fastener 76 and the load lock 20 rotates downwardunder the force of gravity and against the sidewall 42 of the trailer14. The upper member 112 and the lower member 114 hold the connector 68in the channel 118. The offset member 72, plate 70, arms 74 and fastener76 suspend the hanging load lock 20 near the sidewall 42.

Since the connector 68 of the large tube 48 remains operativelyconnected to the channel 118, the channel 118 and connector 68 securethe load lock 20 for storage against the sidewall 42 for further use. Inthis secured storage position 28 for the load lock 20, the cargo 44 isunrestrained for unloading operations. Additionally, the load lock 20 issecured inside the trailer 14 to eliminate theft opportunities oropportunities to be left forgotten on a loading dock. Further, the cargocompartment 16 of the trailer 14 is free from any load locks 20discarded on the bed 36 to provide a clear and safe path for unloadingthe cargo from that of the trailer 14.

Turning to FIG. 10, another method of installing the track assembly 24and the load lock 20 is shown. As shown, the opposing mounting plates 98are removably connected to the roof 44 of the trailer 14 and to the bed36 of the trailer 14 respectively. In this embodiment, the insertion ofthe connectors 68 of the bracket members 22 of the first ends 56, 62 ofthe tubes 48, 50 remains the same as previously discussed. Further, thecontinuous movement of the connector 68 along the track assembly 24remains the same as previously discussed.

Turning to FIGS. 11 and 12, another embodiment of the present disclosureis shown. In this embodiment (FIG. 11), bracket member 124 includes anI-shaped connector 126. As shown, the connector 126 comprises twohorizontal members 128 separated by a vertical member 130. The members128, 130 extend directly outward from the front face of plate. Theconnector 126 has a length as measured between the horizontal members128 from about 1 inch to about 4 inches.

Referring to FIG. 12, mounting platen 132 includes an indentation 134sized and shaped to removably accept the I-shaped connector 126. Asshown, the indentation 134 includes matching horizontal members andvertical member. During operation, the I-shaped connector 126pressureably fits within a selected indentation to suspend the load lock120 within the cargo compartment 44.

The dimensions disclosed are representative of an embodiment and notintended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Any size that is easilyused for the intended purpose of the present disclosure is acceptable.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of thedisclosure are achieved and other advantageous results are obtained. Asvarious changes could be made in the above constructions withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that allmatter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

1. A securement device for storing a load lock on a wall of a trailer,the device comprising: a track assembly having a mounting plate attachedto the wall and having an upper member and a lower member attached tothe mounting plate, the upper member and lower member being spaced fromthe mounting plate to form a channel between the upper and lower membersand the mounting plate; and a bracket member having a connectoroperatively connected to the channel, the bracket member further havinga fastener rotatably connected to the connector and connected to an endof the load lock wherein the fastener is configured to rotatably movethe load lock toward the wall of the trailer such that the connectorsecures the load lock near the wall of the trailer.
 2. The device ofclaim 1 wherein the track assembly comprises a spacer that is configuredto attach the upper member and the lower member to the mounting plate.3. The device of claim 1 wherein the mounting plate has a lengthsubstantially the same as the length of the wall of the trailer.
 4. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the connector slidably connects to thechannel.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein the bracket member comprisesan offset member connected to the connector.
 6. The device of claim 5wherein the bracket member comprises a plate connected to the offsetmember in a spaced relationship from the connector.
 7. The device ofclaim 6 wherein the bracket member comprises an arm connected to theplate and rotatably connected to the fastener such that arm positionsthe fastener in a spaced relationship from the plate.
 8. The device ofclaim 7 wherein the arm suspends the fastener away from the channel. 9.The device of claim 5 wherein the upper member and the lower member arespaced apart from each other to form a slot therebetween.
 10. The deviceof claim 9 wherein the offset member is positioned within the slot whenthe connector operatively connects with the channel.
 11. A securementdevice for suspending a large member and a small member of a load lockbetween opposing walls of a trailer in a restrained position and forsecuring the large member of the load lock in a storage position, thedevice comprising: a first track assembly attached to one of the wallsof the trailer and a second track assembly attached to the other wall ofthe trailer, each track assembly having a mounting plate attached to itsrespective wall and having an upper member and a lower member attachedto the mounting plate, the upper member and lower member being spacedfrom the mounting plate to form a channel between the upper and lowermembers and the mounting plate; a first bracket member having a firstconnector slidably connected to the channel of the first track assembly,the first bracket member further having a first fastener rotatablyconnected to the first connector and connected to an end of the largemember of the load lock; and a second bracket member having a secondconnector slidably connected to the channel of the second trackassembly, the second bracket member having a second fastener rotatablyconnected to the second connector and connected to an end of the smallmember of the load lock wherein the first connector and the secondconnector suspend the load lock between the opposing walls in therestrained position and wherein the second connector is configured torelease from the second channel such that first fastener is configuredto rotatable move the load lock toward one of the walls of the trailerfor the first connector to secure the load lock near the wall.
 12. Thedevice of claim 11 wherein each mounting plate has a lengthsubstantially the same as the length of the wall of the trailer.
 13. Thedevice of claim 11 wherein each upper member and the lower member arespaced apart from each other to form a slot therebetween.
 14. The deviceof claim 13 wherein each bracket member comprises an offset memberconnected to the respective connector.
 15. The device of claim 14wherein the offset member is positioned within the slot.
 16. A method ofstoring a load lock on a wall of a trailer, the method comprising:attaching a track assembly to the wall of the trailer; exposing achannel of the track assembly; slidably connecting a connector of thebracket member within the channel; positioning an offset member of thebracket member within the slot; suspending a fastener from the offsetmember in a spaced relationship from the channel; connecting the loadlock to the fastener; and rotating the load lock about the fastener tosupport the load lock from the connector and near the wall of thetrailer.